Aoyama-Itchome Area

This is the home of my favorite place to see and buy crafts from all over Japan: theJapan Traditional Craft Center. Walking around this store is like getting a primo art tour without leaving Tokyo.

Every prefecture in Japan is famous for some kind of craft that has been perfected by local artisans, but usually you have to go to there to buy it. Fortunately, the government runs the Japan Traditional Craft Center to bring the goods to a wider audience, setting prices at what you’d pay if you traveled for days and searched the backstreets to buy directly from the artist.

Everything sold at the Center is of really high quality, and has to meet strict criteria, you can find everything from stationery and brushes that cost a few dollars to one-of-a-kind treasures for hundreds.

Within walking distance is the Ninja Akasaka restaurant – where magical food is served in a totally realistic-looking castle dungeon by ninjas! The food is actually pretty decent, and although it’s priced accordingly, the illusions and ambience are totally worth it.